The flag pole was formerly at a police facility no longer in use and was repurposed for the Copperas Cove Central Fire Station explained Sean Hughes, the Copperas Cove Fire Chief.
When asked about the date chosen for this occasion Hughes said, “This [date] wasn’t a deadline for us, but it was a natural date to select to dedicate the pole.”

“It’s very special and the fire service has made a commitment to never forget all of those who have lost their lives in the war on terror which still continues today,” said Hughes. “We [firefighters] were the first ones in the fight and we’re supporting those who are continuing the fight for us.”

Hughes stated the CCFD has a close partnership with Fort Hood and its soldiers and extended an invitation to soldiers to attend this event to commemorate the partnership.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Moore, an operations platoon sergeant assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop of the Ironhorse Brigade, has been a CCFD volunteer firefighter since 2008.

Moore said he chose to volunteer as a firefighter and participate in the event because he wants to give back to the community which has supported him and his family since his assignment to Fort Hood over five years ago.

“The city supports the soldiers that live in Copperas Cove and it’s kind of a way of showing dedication back to [the city] as well as remembering something that has propelled everyone to go into fire service, emergency service and the military, so everyone’s able to remember,” said Moore.

Moore explained this date, and events held to honor this date, remind everyone of the innocent and brave who lost their lives eleven years ago and during the ongoing war on terror. He also said this event offers a sense of patriotism, unity and pride because of how the nation came together for the same goal.
Hughes, who has 29 years of firefighting and emergency medical services experience, said [firefighting] is the best job in the world and went on to explain that the flag is very important to him and the firefighting community.

“We wanted [the flag] at our facility because we didn’t have one. The flag is very special to all of us and that’s another way we contribute and do our part,” Hughes said.

Hughes explained that today’s dedication is an opportunity to remember not only those who died in 9/11, but for every other event when someone was protecting someone else and lost their lives in the process.

Hughes stated that our flag symbolizes the sacrifices that firefighters, police officers, everyday citizens and the military make on a daily basis.

“I think it’s important that we never forget that symbolism and that we honor and respect the [American] flag as we should,” Hughes said.